They are brave enough to fray into male bastions and challenge them in every step.

Recognising the hardships and saluting 20 women traffic constables and 10 auto drivers of Ranchi, NGO Vikas Bharti felicitated them at a function in Bariatu on Friday to mark International’s Women Day (March 8).

A doting mother to a teenage daughter, Rana admitted that it was tough to be on road from 9am to 8pm, but “I am happy that people nowadays do abide by rules,” she added.

Echoing her, constable at Rajendra Chowk Mithu Maya Chetri pointed out that they are able to manage traffic with élan. “In the past one year, we have found that there are men who respect us and in fact many complimented us for the way we manage traffic,” she added.

But, a woman’s work is not over even after she returns home. For, they are have to do all the household chores along with ensuring education for their children.

“I have two children, who need both care and guidance. I explain them that money is important for their future, hence both of them co-operate with me,” said constable J.B.Toppo.

The women auto drivers narrated a more challenging story.

Clad in their pink uniform, they said that when they started plying their three-wheelers, many male drivers were unable to accept it. “We were subjected to sexual harassment. Bu, now, everything is fine,” said Pinki Tirkey (27), who plies her auto from Argora Chowk to Doranda.